In the Long Run

I’m feeling somewhat wistful. October is the month in which I usually run a marathon. This year I will not be competing. Last summer’s hectic schedule, and especially our trip to Europe, left me with too little training time. But I still wish I were running a race.

So I think back to one glorious run in France last July, and I am somewhat mollified. One morning we rode the subway to Jardin des Tuilleries, the expansive park near the Louvre. It was early enough that there were virtually no tourists in the park, or in the courtyard of the Louvre. I nearly had the entire place to myself as I ran along a white, crushed stone road, around a reflecting pond and numerous statues.

The sun was shining, it was still relatively cool, and my stride was comfortable. This was my first run on our trip, and the surroundings could not have been more inspirational. The empty tree-lined paths directly contrasted with the nearby steel and concrete of the bustling city. In the middle of the busy metropolis, here was a place to think and ponder, absorb and enjoy.

I ran under the Arc du Carrousel into the empty courtyard of the Louvre, past the famous landmark pyramid. No one was there. It was eerily thrilling. I ran the perimeter twice, and into the back pavilion, craning my neck to gaze in awe at all the statues gracing the eaves of the palace, wondering at the time and effort required in such craftsmanship.

It was an exhilarating run, and reflecting on it mitigates the disappointment of not running a fall marathon. I hope there will be another marathon in another year, and until then, I have my memories of that morning in Paris.

Posted by Cyppy at 6:33 PM